Variatic Sequent#

Minimal trigger sequencer with flexible expansion

Overview#

Variatic Sequent is a minimal trigger sequencer which allows the manual placement of four trigger across a 16-beat period with four knobs. The Downbeat switch adds an optional fifth trigger.

Send all outputs in one signal or, with the optional Variatic Multium, CV-control and send each trigger separately.

  • Type: Rhythm Modifier
  • Size: 6HP Eurorack
  • Depth: 0.8 inch
  • Power: 2x5 Eurorack
  • +12 V: 50 mA
  • -12 V: 5 mA

Power#

Power connector

To power your Noise Engineering module, turn off your case. Plug one end of your ribbon cable into your power board so that the red stripe on the ribbon cable is aligned to the side that says -12 V and each pin on the power header is plugged into the connector on the ribbon. Make sure no pins are overhanging the connector! If they are, unplug it and realign.

Line up the red stripe on the ribbon cable so that it matches the white stripe and/or -12 V indication on the board and plug in the connector.

Screw your module into your case before powering on the module. You risk bumping the module's PCB against something metallic and damaging it if it's not properly secured when powered on.

You should be good to go if you followed these instructions. Now go make some noise!

A final note. Some modules have other headers -- they may have a different number of pins or may say "not power". In general, unless a manual tells you otherwise, do not connect those to power.

Interface#

Illustration of Variatic Sequent's interface

Display
There are 16 LEDs that display the beat of the trigger. The LEDs are arranged vertically with time advancing downward. Each LED represents a beat. The current pattern is lit, and the cursor indicates the current beat.
Time Control 1-4
The four trigger knobs each control the placement in time of a trigger. Placement is indicated on the Display.
Down
Toggle switch to turn trigger on beat 0 on and off.
Measure
The Measure input resets the beat to the start of the measure on a rising edge.
Beat
A clock input that drives the current beat forward. It advances on a rising edge; gate length is driven by pulse width of the clock.
Out
Trigger output. All triggers in Variatic Sequent are sent to a single output. For separate outs for each beat, use the expander Variatic Multium.
RST
A momentary button that resets the clock to the beginning of the measure. The RST button can also be used to pause the advancement of time as long as it is held down.

Variatic Multium#

Illustration of Variatic Multium's interface

CV 1-4
The four jacks on the left side of Variatic Multium are CV inputs to control triggers individually. When CV is applied, the Time Control knobs act as offsets.
G1-4
Four jacks on the right of Variatic Multium correspond to the four beats set by the knobs in Variatic Sequent. Send each to a different triggered sound source.

Absolute versus relative mode#

In absolute mode, each knob will move beats independently along the 16-LED display. In relative mode, each knob moves beats relative to each other: all beats may be moved with the turn of the top knob.

To cycle between modes, hold the RST button down while power cycling the module.

Patch tutorial#

To patch Variatic Sequent, connect an external clock source to the Beat input (such as Horologic Solum or the 2hp CLK) and, if desired, a clock source to the Measure input. Patch the output to a triggered sound source, such as Basimilus Iteritas Alter.

Use the Time Control knobs to adjust the rhythmic patterns generated. Toggle the Down switch for an extra trigger on the first beat each cycle.

To send each trigger to a separate audio source and/or to cv-control each trigger, use the optional expander, Variatic Multium.

Patch a CV source to as many triggers as desired, and send each out to a separate audio source. Alternatively, use the CV control in Variatic Multium and send all triggers in a single signal to one audio source for varied patterns.

The following table shows some helpful patterns to get started programming Variatic Sequent. Use the Time Control knobs to set triggers to fall on beats denoted in each column.

A table of beat patterns

Warranty#

We will repair or replace (at our discretion) any product that we manufactured as long as we are in business and are able to get the parts to do so. We aim to support modules that have been discontinued for as long as possible. This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, including art/panel wear, or any products that have been modified, abused, or misused. Our warranty is limited to manufacturing defects.

Warranty repairs/replacements are free. Repairs due to user modification or other damage are charged at an affordable rate. Customers are responsible for the cost of shipping to Noise Engineering for repair.

All returns must be coordinated through Noise Engineering; returns without a Return Authorization will be refused and returned to sender.

Please contact us if you think one of your modules needs a repair.

Special thanks#

  • Shawn Jimmerson
  • Skyler "kittyspit" King
  • William Mathewson
  • Mickey Bakas
  • Tyler Thompson
  • Alex Anderson